Field Engineer (South Dakota)

Field Engineer

At American Engineering Testing (AET), we believe that people are the heart of innovation. We create an environment that values teamwork, curiosity, and continuous improvement while delivering innovative engineering and consulting solutions. As a 100% employee-owned firm, we deliver comprehensive testing, analysis, and design to reduce uncertainty in construction projects and offer rewarding work, exceptional training, and career development opportunities.

Field Engineer plays a critical role in assisting engineers and technicians with project duties in the field. This position is responsible for supporting engineering projects, performing laboratory testing, and conducting field observation of construction materials, ensuring accurate data collection and reliable project outcomes. The ideal candidate will demonstrate adaptability, technical expertise, and a collaborative mindset, and contribute to the AET's mission of delivering high-quality services.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Field and Laboratory Work
  • Conduct geotechnical field testing according to QA procedures.
  • Perform special inspection services materials testing or environmental services on an as needed basis.
  • Perform soil boring layout/documentation, utility clearance meets and surveying.
  • Assist in training of less experienced personnel in routine field work/documentation.
  • Conduct soil laboratory tests according to QA procedures.
  • Log/classify soil samples in laboratory or fieldwork, as needed.
• Performance of Work/Report Preparation
  • Prepare reports of field and laboratory work.
  • Prepare detailed site visit reports for job file using standard AET forms.
  • Communicate with clients to determine their project needs.
  • Complete tasks in accordance with project quality requirements.
  • Assist in maintaining and improving the materials testing laboratory in the local office.
  • Assist with geotechnical engineering investigations including field drilling and laboratory testing, geotechnical engineering analyses and report preparation.

Other Areas of Accountability

• Conduct field, laboratory and office activities in a manner consistent with federal, state, and local regulations, along with AET's QA and Health and Safety Policies, to promote the safety and protection of employees, clients and the public.
• Maintain valid driver's license and acceptable driving record. Some positions may require use of personal vehicle for company business. Maintain compliance with DOT driver regulations if required for position. Maintain appropriate physicals if required for position.
• Some duties outdoors or away from main office/laboratory location.
• Frequent travel required within regional area.
• Occasional out-of-town travel.
• Properly use and maintain company instruments and equipment.
• Establish, maintain, and build business relationships with clients.
• Aid in company marketing functions.
• Maintain high chargeable productivity.
• Coordinate with other AET staff with the ultimate goal of increasing efficiency, productivity, and communication.
• Perform other tasks as necessary to meet departmental or company goals.

Required Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Geological, or related Engineering field.
• 0-3 years of experience in an engineering or science related field.
• Engineer in Training (EIT) and ability to achieve professional registration (PE).
• Internship or previous work experience preferred, but not mandatory.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of fundamental engineering or scientific principles within specialty area and ability to apply that knowledge to the job.
• Experience using personal computer software, especially Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work at environmental remediation, industrial and construction sites and perform field work including, but not limited to, collecting samples, operating field instruments, following procedures, planning, organizing and arranging logistics for the job, and documenting field activities and data collected.
• Communication skills sufficient to convey complex technical information in a clear manner to diverse audiences.
• Ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people, work effectively within project teams, resolve issues and problems in a constructive manner, and work independently in the field.
• Capable of the physical labor required, with personal protective equipment. Ability to occasionally move 50 to 100 pounds.
• Ability to perform hand auger borings and field testing throughout the working day.

Pay Transparency

Base compensation is expected to be in the range of $28.00 – $31.00 per hour based on skill set and experience. AET offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health benefits, insurance, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), long term savings, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. The selected candidate must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Work Environment

This job primarily operates primary in a field environment in outdoor conditions, on construction sites with uneven ground and adverse weather conditions. This role secondary operates in an office environment and uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands or finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50-100 pounds. The employee will occasionally push or pull equipment weighing up to 200 pounds. The employee is required to frequently work outside. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.